Washblog

Until 1993, several jurisdictions in Washington -- including Seattle and King County -- gave candidates the option of voluntarily accepting public funds for campaigns in exchange for refusing private funding. Initiative 134 put a halt to that, prohibiting any public funds to be used to finance political campaigns for state or local office.  The intent was beneficial but the result was the death of several successful programs that opened up public office to people who didn't have great private wealth or access to big donors -- and to greater diversity among successful candidates.  The first election of a woman of color to the Seattle City Council, Dolores Sibonga, was credited, for example, to the public funds she used in her campaign.

Today, Senate Bill 5278, which passed in the House earlier this session, passed in the Senate as well. It will reverse part of Initiative 134's prohibition against public financing, allowing counties, cities, towns, and districts (except for school districts) to once again institute these programs.  Any public financing proposals must first be submitted to voters for approval or rejection. Congratulations to the people of Washington and to all the volunteers and staff of Washington Public Campaigns.  Now, let's look ahead to public financing for judicial races -- and perhaps for other state offices.